After taking in feedback from the community, organizers with the Downtown Elizabethton Farmer’s Market are eyeing growth for the upcoming season.

Officials with the market announced the kickoff date for this season is Tuesday, June 5, at 4 p.m. in the city parking lot on F Street near the police and fire departments.

Donica Krebs, DEFM manager, alluded to the fact that 2017 was a “great season” for the market’s inaugural year and that 2018 is all about capitalizing on momentum.

“It was great to hear the community’s feedback over the winter months as we make changes and revamp for the 2018 season,” Krebs said. “We are thankful that the community has continued to support us as we work out the kinks to make the market bigger and better each year.”

A handful of changes and additions will be on tap for patrons. Krebs said this year’s season will last until Sept. 25 and will have extended hours — 4 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday. Additional food trucks and a shaded area to relax in the hotter areas is also expected.

One of the more anticipated additions for this year is the ability to host artisan craft vendors, Krebs said.

“In our first year, the board decided to keep the market ‘majority food items’ because we didn’t have the organizational manpower to facilitate artisan crafts,” she said. “This year, we have made accommodations for Appalachian artists to share their skills. This includes musicians or storytellers who would like to perform live during market hours.”

Performers can sign up to perform at the market by contacting Blue River Studio at (423) 213-5060 for more information, but Krebs added that vendors will be required to fill out a market application.

Interested craft or food vendors can apply for the market by picking up the 2018 rules and application for the DEFM at the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce. Vendors can email defarmersmarket@gmail.com or the Chamber of Commerce’s website for a digital copy. All applications can be returned either to the Chamber office or scanned by email to the DEFM email.

Krebs added the market is looking to bring more vendors of produce and that backyard gardeners are also encouraged to apply.

Excitement is growing for the market’s second year with organizers hoping to use the event as a way to bring visitors and residents alike to downtown Elizabethton.

“We want to make the market more of a destination,” Krebs said. “Somewhere that folks want to hang out at, relax, shop for local goodies, eat dinner and listen to music. We have the community to thank for the support and involvement that has made us able to grow even bigger this year. We can’t wait to see what this season holds.”

For more information on the market, the public is encouraged to view the Downtown Elizabethton Farmer’s Market pages on Instagam and Facebook. Updates and photos will be regularly posted on each social media account.